The initial run of Mobile Suit Gundam flopped in 1979, but the success of the three Gundam features (1981-82) created an audience for Yoshiyuki Tomino’s sprawling mecha adventure. Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam (1985) was the first broadcast sequel. The story takes place in year 79 of the Universal Century, not long after the One Year War. Like Amuro Ray, the hero of the initial series, Kamille Bidan is a Newtype, a human with exceptional mental powers, including the ability to pilot sophisticated robot suits with no formal training. But Amuro became a pilot by accident when his satellite-home was invaded; Kamille steals the prototype Gundam MK II, throwing his lot in with the rebels of the A.E.U.G. (Anti-Earth Union Group). Zeta Gundam occupies an interesting place in the history of this long-running continuity: In it, Tomino and his artists began to explore the conflicts between the Newtypes and ordinary humans in greater depth. But the filmmakers were still learning how to create sympathetic characters and a sustained narrative. Kamille isn't a particularly likable hero. He joins the A.E.U.G. struggle against the brutal military cadre the Titans, not because he opposes their plan to subjugate the Earth, but because he got into a fist fight with a Titan officer who made fun of his name. The story rambles as characters appear, disappear and reappear. Menacing new Titan officers arrive, get killed in battle and are replaced with new menacing officers. The Western-looking characters have small heads and misproportioned bodies. Despite these weaknesses, Zeta Gundam remains a significant series. (Rated 13 and older: violence, violence against women, brief nudity) --Charles Solomon